Polyvagal Theory

A theory that provides an innovative scientific perspective to study feelings of safety that incorporates an understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. This perspective identifies neural circuits that downregulate neural regulation of threat reactions and functionally neutralize defensive strategies via neural circuits communicating cues of safety that enable feelings of safety to support interpersonal accessibility and homeostatic functions. Basically, when humans feel safe, their nervous systems support the homeostatic functions of health, growth, and restoration, while they simultaneously become accessible to others without feeling or expressing threat and vulnerability.

A theory that explains feelings of safety from an understanding of both neuroanatomy (brain structures) and neurophysiology (how the nervous system functions). Polyvagal theory identifies the structures and reactions that reduce and reset neural activity and defensive responses caused by threatening reactions. This then results in feelings of safety. Feeling safe is important for health, growth, and restoration, while also prompting openness to being vulnerable in interactions with others. See also rest-and-digest. Contrast with fight-or-flight.

Reference:

Porges, S. W. (2022). Polyvagal theory: A science of safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16, 871227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227